Coming Out
“To be both gay and in uniform is not a betrayal of either. It’s hope.”
If you work in public safety and you are thinking about coming out, struggling with coming out, or just looking for someone to talk to please reach out to us, we are here to help.
The IEFPA is the host of the “LGBTQ EMS & FIREFIGHTERS” Private Facebook Group. Join the camaraderie of a friendly, supportive, welcoming community in a private group setting.
"Hope Will Never Be Silent" - Harvey Milk
Dallas Cooper, Capt. | Houston Fire Dept.
Nick Couch, Firefighter | Coming Out
It Gets Better | Everett Fire Department, WA
IT GETS BETTER 2.0 | Timothy McCormick
Advice about “How to Come Out” from our partners at Out To Protect
If you are in crisis and cannot wait for an email response, support is available 24/7 from the National Gay and Lesbian Hotline 1-888-843-4564.
You are not alone!
In The News:
- Dallas Cooper, Capt. – Houston Fire Dept. – Talking Pride, Professionally and Personally
- After Orlando Shooting, Why Visibility Matters for the Gay Community – Lance Garland, Firefighter
- The Fire Department closet: Being gay in bunker gear by Mikey Heinrich
- Fired Georgia Fire Chief Sues City for Anti-Trans Discrimination
- Gay UK Firefighter’s Heartwarming Coming Out Story
- Kristin Crowley Is Los Angeles’s First Out, First Woman Fire Chief
- Kristin Crowley Confirmed As 1st Ever Out LGBTQ+ LA Fire Chief
- LGBTQ+ Firefighters & EMT’s Share What It’s LIke To Be Out At Work
- Married Lesbian First Responders Say They Were Shammed Out of Jobs
- Nottinghamshire, UK Firefighter speaks out for LGBTQ+ history month.
- New York’s Bravest Share Their Strength for Coming Out Day
- NYC Fire Department Gets First Lesbian Battalion Chief
- Trial By Fire: Memoir of America’s First Openly Gay Firefighter | The Hill
- The Firefighter Deconstructed – Out, On The Streets
- Virginia Firefighter Files Suit Saying He was Ousted Because He’s Gay
“It is not enough to be out. We must be active.”